April is Distracted Driving Awareness month. Regardless of how old you are, what car you drive, or your level of technological acceptance, distracted driving has always been an issue.
Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving goes beyond the use of technology and cell phones. Something as simple as eating a candy bar or taking a sip of water is considered distracting. Because it can be difficult to identify distracted driving behavior as the reason for an accident, many technology-related crashes and fatalities go unreported.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists three types of distracted driving:
- Visual – Described as a task that takes the driver’s eyes off the road, such as checking the GPS system or the time.
- Manual – Described as a task that requires the removal of one or both hands from the wheel, such as eating.
- Cognitive – Described as a task where the driver’s mind is focused on something not related to driving, such as texting.
Distracted Driving Facts
The NHTSA has found that 80 percent of crashes involve a distracted driver. According to TeenSafe.com, here some of the scary facts related to distracted driving:
- Distracted driving accounts for about 25 percent of all vehicle crash fatalities.
- Distracted driving accounts for about 58 percent of all teen-driver-related vehicle crashes.
- Over 80 percent of people admit to performing extreme distracted driving functions such as steering with a foot or painting nails.
- Every day there are nine fatalities related to distracted driving in the US.
- A driver listening to music or someone speaking decreases the brain power dedicated to driving to just 40 percent.
- During the daytime, an estimated 660,000 drivers use their cell phones when driving.
Distracted driving, although dangerous, is 100 percent preventable. Make sure you’re prepared before you hit the road, and don’t look away from the road for a long period of time. Remember, it only takes three seconds of looking away to put you at risk of a crash.
Safest Used Cars for Families
With all this talk of distracted driving comes the question of vehicle safety. We’re all human, and there are many distractions out there when we’re driving. So, if an accident occurs because of distracted driving, will your car hold up and keep you safe?
When considering affordable used cars, here are the top five safest and most affordable used cars under $20,000 to consider for your family:
- 2011 Lexus CT Hybrid – Safety score of 10, average price paid $9,769
- 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon – Safety score of 10, average price paid $11,799
- 2011 Chrysler 200 – Safety score of 10, average price paid $11,865
- 2012 Toyota Prius C – Safety score of 10, average price paid $12,417
- 2009 Hyundai Genesis – Safety score of 10, average price paid $13,008
Safety scores are based on US News and World Report rankings, which compile ratings from the NHTSA, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and other leading sources.
Be Smart on the Road
With all the latest gadgets our cars feature, it can be tempting to look away and use them while on the road. If distracted driving has left you with a totaled car and you’re in need of a new one, don’t let bad credit get you down, let Auto Credit Express help.
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